11 minute read
REFORMED PLASTICS
Explore an eco lifestyle this autumn!
Autumn is upon us, but the wet weather and falling leaves shouldn’t stop us enjoying our gardens. It is a great time of year to update your outdoor space with new eco-friendly sustainable furniture and anti-slip decking, allowing you to have an area you can make the most of whatever the next few months may bring!
At Reformed Plastics we offer a range of bespoke furniture, anti-slip decking, gates, fencing and planters suitable for a variety of environments. These can not only add the sense of substance as well as practicality to a space, but they can also make the great finishing touch to any rejuvenation project.
All of our products are made from 100% recycled plastic. We manufacture products ourselves and then sell direct to the Domestic and Commercial sector. From concept to completion, our experienced and dedicated team based at our Parley workshop will make it their mission, for you to get the most out of your outdoor space for the best price possible!
Due to the ever increasing importance to recycle and protect the environment, the plastic used is recycled in the UK and is the perfect maintenance free alternative to wood. Our aims are to help rebuild the environment by utilising a commodity which people would otherwise just throw away, turning what most would consider rubbish into a valuable product for everybody.
Does it need to be cleaned? Our products only need to be cleaned after a spillage. The collection of airborne dirt is inevitable and we would recommend a simple spray-down with a hose or wipe over with a damp cloth and disinfectant on a regular basis to ensure that your purchase is kept hygienic and in the best condition.
How strong is it? It is extremely solid and strong being able to withstand stress levels of well over 10x that of traditional timber. It is heavy, durable, virtually indestructible and will not need to be replaced. In short, it is worry free!
Why are recycled plastic products different? Plastic lumber is the perfect alternative to anything that has ever needed maintaining. Plastic lumber can be cut with a regular saw, drilled, nailed or screwed into and routed as easily as wood. • Will not rot, split or splinter • Will not need painting or staining • Maintenance free • Resistant to all weather • Resistant to vandalism • Resistant to chemicals • Resistant to salt water • Resistant to insects and bacteria • Anti-slip decking • Lasts for over 50 years
Quality Decking, Fencing & Furniture 100% Recycled Plastic Can be worked with like wood Does not rot, split or splinter Strong, Durable & Weather Resistant Maintenance Free & lasts over 50 years! Local, Friendly Family run business Unique, High Quality Personal Service Nationwide Delivery
FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL 01202 385 751
www.reformedplastics.co.uk sales@reformedplastics.co.uk
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Get set for Christmas! It’s that time of year when we start thinking ahead to Christmas! If you are looking for a unique gift for a loved one then we have some great options for you, from personalising furniture with an engraving to mud kitchens to keep the kids amused. Visit our website for loads of product ideas or give us a call and we can help you find what you are looking for.
Remoulding the Past, Reshaping the Future, Rebuilding the Environment
Healthy living for your car
Neil Hansler answers your questions to help find out if TerraClean is the right option for your vehicle to restore performance, reduce emissions and improve MPG.
What is TerraClean? TerraClean is a unique technology process that is highly effective in removing the carbon deposits that build up in any internal combustion engine. The brand TerraClean is applied to both the equipment and the chemicals used.
Can you TerraClean my petrol car? TerraClean is not just for diesels - we can TerraClean petrol engines too. It is the only Decarbonising System that has two separate machines for Petrol or Diesel engines, because Petrol and Diesel engines work with different fuel and combustion technology. So when you choose a TerraClean Service you can be assured it’s been developed with your engine in mind and uses technology safe for combustion in your vehicle.
To keep your engine running at its best - talk to us - we are one of about 500 professional automotive technicians with training and expertise in diagnosing and resolving carbon related problems, Clearning EGR and DPF problems whether it is a diesel or petrol engine.
Will my motorbike benefit from a TerraClean? Yes TerraClean does work on Motorcycles too. If you are planning getting the Motorbike out after a long period in the garage, consider TerraClean decarbonisation to ensure it’s in great running condition and you can enjoy it running at its best. TerraClean will also work
CONTACT NEIL HANSLER
07850 400 826
neilhansler@aol.com FACEBOOK
@TerraCleanmobileservices
on your Jet Ski, Speedboat, Van, Truck, Bus, static generator... basically most vehicles with an internal combustion engine.
Results vary by make, model, age and mileage of vehicle.
Prices start from only £110 for a standard fuel service and we have availability this week at either your home or workplace.
MOTORING NEWS
Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.
R OA D T E S T: S T Y L I S H M G H A S LOT S TO OFFER PRICE CONSCIOUS BUYERS
It may carry an iconic British badge but these days MG is owned by Chinese car maker SAIC, and made in China too. Gone are the days of sporty two seaters in favour of more populist SUVs, a very smart hatchback, and what by today’s standards are bargain prices.
A little while back I considered buying one of the early Chinese-made MGs as a second hand runabout. Even examples with relatively low mileage and obvious careful owners showed the effects of bargain priced materials.
The latest MG ZS is a different matter though. Style is subjective but most who saw my test model mentioned words like smart, stylish and quite a few admired the optional Battersea Blue paintwork. Inside the good vibes continue with decent legroom, a quality feel and premium look. The top of the range Exclusive model tested here has an extensive standard equipment tally and puts rival manufacturers to shame at the price.
Two engines are on offer, both petrol units, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three cylinder and a more conventional 1.5-litre four cylinder. They are mated to a six speed automatic transmission and a five speed manual respectively. Prices for the range start from £15,495 with my top of the range Exclusive model driving in at £20,840, with the 1.0-litre power unit, automatic gears and optional Battersea Blue paint finish.
Standard fare includes pretty much everything you would need including sat nav, cruise control, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, heated front seats, leather upholstery, air conditioning, heated and powered door mirrors, 360 degree cameras, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, electric seat adjustment and six speaker sound system.
On the road the ZS is a smooth and comfortable ride. On twisting roads there is minimal body roll and thanks to decent steering it handles especially well for an SUV. The 6-speed automatic gearbox works fine at lower and cruising speed but it’s a different matter when you need to make rapid progress. The engine sounds quite busy and the acceleration errs on the lethargic side. That said in most situations the ZS performs well and is quiet and refined with particularly comfortable seating.
MG’s new car profile is still quite low, but with vehicles like the XS it’s a brand that deserves more attention. After a bargain basement start the MG range now has quality, style and price on its side.
R OA D T E S T: N E W G O L F M A R KS T W O ANNIVERSARIES
Launching the latest version of the ever-popular Golf this year marks two anniversaries for the German car maker.
It is 75 years since a 28-year-old British Army Major, Ivan Hirst, was given responsibility for leading the reshaping of VW’s largely destroyed Wolfsburg plant back into a civilian car factory. By the time Hirst left there was a modern factory, ready to go, with a labour force, a German management and a product that was proven. That product was the Beetle, and that German management and workforce made VW a worldwide automotive success story.
The latest Golf is in its eight incarnation 45 years since it first launched here in the UK. It has become a classless car loved by everyone from ordinary families to the landed gentry. Golf 8 starts at £23,300 on-the-road for the lead-in Life model with a perky 1.0-litre TSi engine under the bonnet. Standard fare includes climate control, powered and heated door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers plus automatic dimming rear view mirror, alloy wheels, navigation and a plethora of safety kit.
Three petrol engines – 110 hp,1.0-litre 3-cylinder and 130 hp or 150 hp 1.5-litre 4- cylinder – plus a 1.5-litre mild hybrid and 115 hp or 150 hp 2.0-litre diesel. Transmissions are 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual clutch automatic.
Despite some noticeable minor cost-cutting measures – lack of a gas strut on the bonnet, no cover over the cup holders in the centre console, visible key apertures on the door handles and a few others – there is still that solid, durable and quality feel to this latest Golf. It has gone far too digital for some although I’m sure VW would argue once used to the system it makes for a more efficient driver experience. However,
to me the system is not as intuitive as it could be and, until you’re used to it, it can feel like a distraction.
On the road performance brings no complaints with my 115 hp 2.0-litre diesel providing a good turn of speed when required and impressive fuel consumption. Despite being a ‘dirty’ diesel it is now one of the cleanest units available with major reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.
With its smartly evolved design there is no mistaking this is a Golf, it retains that certain something on the style front which appeals to so many drivers. At its price point the new Golf needed to deliver… it does!
ROAD TEST: SUZUKI VITARA HYBRID
With so many cars appearing to share style, equipment and technology these days manufacturers have to identify that special something which sets them apart from the competition. Some do it via special offers, extra equipment and regular facelifts and others take a simpler route to success. One such maker is Suzuki.
The Japanese car maker has been a feature of UK showrooms since the 1960s, known for small cars and SUVs along with marine engines, ATVs and motorbikes. One of their best known, and most admired, SUVs is the diminutive Jimny, which is a formidable off-road performer.
In slightly larger form their Vitara makes for a practical and comfortable on and off-roader, with more than a dash of old fashioned style. Thanks to its straightforward boxy design you can pack a lot into the Vitara and it comes with a no nonsense, well-built feel. Prices start from £21,749 for the lead-in SZ4 which comes as standard with alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers and Bluetooth.
There’s just one power unit for the range and it’s a very good one too. The 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine also has an electric motor that helps economy, lowers emissions and gives a performance boost. In a week of sometimes not so leisurely driving I notched up an average 46 mpg.
It’s a smooth and refined unit and possessed of enough power to nip past tractors and other slow traffic. The benchmark 62 mph is passed in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of
118mph. It’s no performance powerhouse but has more than enough capability to deal with overtakes on single carriageway roads as well as motorway cruising.
Inside the no nonsense approach continues with a comfortable look and feel albeit lacking in the interior fripperies of more f louncy rivals. Everything looks well able to stand the daily scuffs and knocks of everyday family and working life. A welcome lack of digital nonsense is heralded by buttons, and even on the touchscreen there’s minimal tapping required. Volkswagen Audi please note!
Options include 4-wheel-drive on the top of the range SZ5 model along with some rather snazzy colour combinations and very sensibly priced styling upgrades. The Vitara makes for a sensible purchase given their well-earned reputation for reliability. Add in the generous levels of standard equipment and it’s not hard to see why the Vitara remains a popular choice.